PLANO, Texas and WASHINGTON, DC, November 13, 2008 - A strong corporate culture that invests in diversity and inclusion is one of the greatest competitive advantages a company can maintain. On November 13, 2008, Diversity Best Practices (DBP) will host its 15th annual Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Summit & Gala at the JW Marriott in Washington.

For his continuous efforts, Tony Affuso will be recognized at the event as a winner of the prestigious 2008 Diversity Best Practices CEO Diversity Leadership Award. This venerable award pays tribute to champions of corporate diversity for their exemplary leadership and for innovative and positive responses to demographic shifts in the global workforce and marketplace.

CEOs establish the corporate culture and the business agenda. They are the most visible embodiment of their companies’ ethics and values. Their passion for diversity spreads throughout every level of their companies, easing the often difficult transition into a world of globalization and constant demographic changes.

“Over the course of the past two and a half years, Siemens diversity practices have attained a higher level of excellence due in no small part to the leadership and personal investment of time and energy on the part of our CEO Champions,” states Joe Santana, Senior Director of Diversity for Siemens in the USA.

Affuso understands that embracing diversity creates happier and more loyal employees and customers. And inclusive business practices help companies relate to the evolving public in a more effective way. Acceptance of employees, regardless of their background, is not only the right thing to do, it is also critical to business success.

According to Affuso, "The diversity of our people is critical to helping Siemens PLM Software maintain its leadership position in the PLM industry and its focus on customers. Through our community service initiatives, university grants and training programs we’re able to reach people from all walks of life that bring a special depth to our company.”